Probe Continues into 2004 Murders of Counselors

Almost four years after two Christian camp counselors were shot to death on an isolated California beach, investigators believe they will eventually solve the case. The families of Jason Allen and Lindsay Cutshall know that the killer will never get away with it.

Allen and Cutshall, who planned to be married, were shot in their sleep in their sleeping bags as they camped on Fishhead Beach in Jenner, California. Their bodies were found Aug. 18, 2004.

In an interview with Maureen Kocot of WBNS-TV, Lindsay's parents, Chris and Kathy Cutshall talked about the heartbreak they faced in an article, "Years after slaying, parents not giving up hope."

Lindsay Cutshall, of Coshocton, Ohio, always called home on Sundays from the Christian youth adventure camp where she and Jason Allen worked that summer. When she failed to call on the Sunday before she was scheduled to come back home, the Cutshalls were a bit concerned.

Parents' Greatest Fear

"Monday morning, the camp called and said, 'Do you know where Lindsay and Jason are?' And we knew there was a problem," said Kathy Cutshall.

The Cutshalls flew to California to take part in a search for the couple, hoping that they went cliff climbing and got stuck somewhere. When the bodies of the two were found shot to death as they slept in their sleeping bags on the beach, "our greatest fear and any parent's greatest nightmare became our reality," Chris Cutshall said.

There was a lot of evidence found at the scene, including a distinctive black and white hat, partially covered in fur, near the bodies. There were also drawings of devil-like faces etched into driftwood and a necklace was missing from Lindsay.

Detectives were also able to determine that a lever-action or semi-automatic Marlin .45 caliber rifle was used in the murders.

Killer Will Face Justice

Investigators want to talk with a person of interest in the case, Joseph Burgess, described as a "religious fanatic" who they believe murdered a couple on Vancouver Island in 1972. He has never been located.

"Whoever did it is a sick individual and a coward," Kathy Cutshall said. "He waited until they were sound asleep in the middle of the night and shot two innocent people."

The Cutshalls believe their daughter's killer will face justice, whether the police catch him or not.

" 'Vengeance is mine,' said the Lord, and we place this guy in God's hands," Chris Cutshall said. "We know he'll never get away with it."

See Also:
Years After Slaying, Parents Not Giving Up Hope

Background:
The Allen-Cutshall Murders

Forum:
Discuss The Allen-Cutshall Case

^{Photo: Family Photo}